Today I had my first appointment with my surgeon, it went really well until I mentioned that I was leaning toward getting the sleeve. I was very taken aback when he told me that I'm too healthy to qualify for the sleeve and that a Dr. would have to "fudge" the paperwork for me to have it paid for by OHIP.

I thought that because I am healthy and very motivated that the less invasive surgery would be the one for me. The Dr also told me that he thought that I'd probably fail, long term, with the sleeve.

I really am disappointed and now have to really think about the by-pass.

almitch, this scenario does not make sense to me. The bypass is generally for persons with more severe comorbidities. If you want the sleeve, ask for the sleeve and if this doctor doesn't want to do it, change doctors. I didn't go with the bypass because I didn't want to fool with all of those malaborption issues for the rest of my life. The sleeve is the way to go. You're paying the doctor, he works for you so you make the decision on which you get. Good luck to you and stand up for yourself.

I'm in Ontario Canada and our public health pays for the surgery. And they have a fee schedual they must follow.

Can you get a second opinion under public health? This makes no sense to me either.

but you do not have to stay with this surgeon.

what is your bmi and do you have any comorbidities? and what was his reasoning that you would fail?

you should not be forced into bypass if you dont want it.

That is the Dr assigned to me, I did not pick him. My BMI is 41 and I only have slightly elevated blood pressure. We don't get to pick and choose out Drs. And this one is very good I hear but it's not the Dr that says no it's our government that sets the fee schedual as to what is paid for and when. I just don't fit the bill. And I can choose NOT to have the by-pass, but then I wouldn't qualify for any other surgery that is paid for.

That is the Dr assigned to me, I did not pick him. My BMI is 41 and I only have slightly elevated blood pressure. We don't get to pick and choose out Drs. And this one is very good I hear but it's not the Dr that says no it's our government that sets the fee schedual as to what is paid for and when. I just don't fit the bill. And I can choose NOT to have the by-pass, but then I wouldn't qualify for any other surgery that is paid for.

[/quote

in the US, your BMI is high enough for you to have surgery. (its 40 or 35 with comorbidities) i have no clue about fees or how that determines what surgery your doc feels is right for you. it def sounds like you need to find and speak to people who have had the surgery in ON. good luck!